Nootka Sound Kayaking

 “Vancouver Island West – One of the last places where a wildland still meets a wild ocean” Bertie Gregory, National Geographic wildlife filmmaker

It’s March 29, 1778. Captain James Cook is on the third of his expeditions of discovery. He was in search of a safe harbour where his crew could rest, make repairs, take on fresh water and supplies. He is in the ancestral waters/lands of the  Mowachaht / Muchalaht First Nation who claim this area by virtue of thousands of years of occupation.  “When the two ships from the Cook expedition arrived at the end of March, the beach keeper from our village went out in a canoe to greet the newcomers. Standing up in the canoe and with his best oration welcomed the ships to our territorial waters and invited them to come to the harbour in front of our village. The month-long visit of the Cook expedition in our territory established an economic and political relationship. We provided the ships with daily supplies of fish, as well as water, wood, oil, and furs in trade for metal, a rare material of great value to us.” (Chief Mike Maquinna, in a paper presented at the Anchorage Museum, March 15, 2011)

Our guided kayaking in Nootka Sound opens a temperate world of cultural, natural, and historical wonders. Nootka Sound was first explored by European mariner  Capt. James Cook  in 1778. Cook spent a month trading with First Nations, refitting his vessels, and exploring its waters. Subsequent Spanish and English influences are evident in the names affixed to various geographical features in the Sound. The most profound influence on the area are the indigenous people who have inhabited this area for thousands of years.  

Our lead guides are members of the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC. They are a non-profit society that upholds high standards for professional sea kayak guides and operators in BC. Through ongoing professional development and certification, the Alliance strives to ensure safe practices on an industry-wide basis.

• one of the largest sea otter populations in the world.
• dramatic coastlines, small islets, punctuated with sea caves, arches, bluffs, and sandy beaches
• the end of each day ends at our base camp, a log cabin with incredible views of British Columbia’s west coast. Nothing compares to a west coast sunset.

OTHER BRITISH COLUMBIA SEA KAYAK ADVENTURE LINKS
Broken Group Islands:  The 100 + Islands of Barkley Sound/Western Vancouver Island
Johnstone Strait: Pacific Orcas of British Columbia

GUEST REVIEW
“Beyond all expectations! From your professional guides, wonderful menu, breathtaking scenery, isolation from all urban distractions, coming to terms with personal strengths and limitations – one can not help but come away with a better sense of self and appreciation of this gem.”~ Tom & Julie Hughes, Nottingham, UK